Is Attwood going to impose National Parks asks Francie Molloy

Sinn Féin Assembly member
Francie Molloy has called on the Environment Minister Alex Attwood to ‘make it crystal
clear that he will not impose National Parks on communities without proper
consultation and importantly agreement’.

The Mid-Ulster MLA said:

“Over the summer months we
have had a series of confusing signals being sent out by the Environment Minister Alex
Attwood on the issue of imposing National Parks on the north. It is fairly
obvious that Mr Attwood is personally enthusiastic about the proposition despite
widespread opposition from land owners and residents in the areas directly
affected.

“In the Assembly today Mr Attwood seemed to dance on the head of a pin
on the issue. It wasn’t clear from his responses to Assembly questions whether
he is proceeding with the proposal, moving away from it or playing for more
time. Given the strength of feeling out there on this issue people have a right
to know what the Minister intends to do in the coming period.

"The first thing
which needs to happen is for Mr Attwood to make it crystal clear that he will
not impose National Parks on communities without proper consultation and
importantly agreement with those people living in the areas affected.”